I have a small area (about 100 square feet) that I am going to put 1 inch river rock in. I would like to plant 3 or 4 plants in this area. Right now, I have it dug down to 3 inches. When I plant the plants (before adding the rock) should I raise the area to ground level before I dig the hole or just dig the hole where the ground is now and then add 3 inches of rock?

I'm having the rock delivered this Friday so I can start hauling it to the back yard this weekend. I'll be buying the plants tomorrow.